Another cold week has offered much of the same for the start of the new year on the fishing front. Most anglers that are still working the waters are targeting herring and cod. A few ling and mackerel have found their way into the report though, bringing with it a new opportunity and excitement.
Stretch from Stella Maris reports that the herring fishing off the local piers has continued to be good this week. A couple local boat have begun to head out in search of ling and cod and although the results haven’t been overwhelming for now, there are some fish being caught. Mackerel have also shown up and seem to be off to a great start in the Brooklyn area. With the first run out of the way and some testing done, these boats should be finding better action with each trip out.
At Terminal Tackle, John Sr. relays that it’s been a cold week and it has slowed down the aggressiveness of the herring. It hasn’t been a great run compared to years past according to John, but some fish have hung around out of Centerport and in the Kings Park waters. With freezing temperatures predicted for the days ahead, it may make fishing for these herring a lot tougher.
Over in Huntington Station, Carmine has seen the herring fishing become much spottier in the last week or two. If you are still looking to hook into some here, the best action has been at first and last light off the local docks.
Mark from Cow Harbor reports that there are some herring around but noticed that the most action has come out of Montauk on the party boats for cod. The local Northport docks may give way to a few herring but the best place has been the Centerport Bridge.
In Hampton Bays, at White Water Outfitters, Jeff is still impressed with the results from the cod fishing out of Montauk. The action has been good from the start it seems and the boats continue to find plenty of fish on the offshore wrecks.
At River Bay Outfitters, Paul believes the best action is on the freshwater side. The Oceanside salt water bite has come to a halt but fly fishing on the Connetquot River has been offering up some big trout to those braving the weather. As it’s a spring fed river, the water remains warmer than surrounding lakes and ponds so, as long as you can handle the chill in the air, the fish are ready for the taking.
Fishing Forecast for Long Island
With little going on this time of year other than herring on the salt water side, after cleaning out the gear from this year’s use, head out to either end of the Island for a day of cod in Montauk or ling and cod in Brooklyn. For anyone looking to drop a fly, the Connetquot River is as good as it gets right now and the crowds are sure not to be a problem. Finally, with freezing weather heading our way, keep an eye for a fresh sheet of ice to get out on and challenge your fishing abilities in a new way.